Optimizing growth of melon (Cucumis melo l. Cv. Madesta) in nutrient film technique and drip irrigation hydroponics with varied substrates

Yosephine Sri Wulan Manuhara, . and Djarot Sugiarso, . and Ariyan Pratama Fajar, . and Khoirul Niam, . and Raden Thilawatil Aziz, . and Arga Wal Yudha1, . and Christopher Clement, . and Budi Setiadi Daryono, . and Miftahudin, . and Karlia Meitha, . and Awik Puji Dyah Nurhayati, . and Anjar Tri Wibowo, . (2024) Optimizing growth of melon (Cucumis melo l. Cv. Madesta) in nutrient film technique and drip irrigation hydroponics with varied substrates. Pertanika Journal Tropical Agricultural Science (Malaysia), 47 (4). 1191 -1204. ISSN 1511-3701

Hydroponic systems offer a promising solution for urban farming and the utilization of unproductive land. Successful implementation, however, requires careful optimization to select the most effective hydroponic system tailored to specific plants and environmental conditions. This study aims to compare the growth and physiological responses of Madesta melons (Cucumis melo L. cv. Madesta) cultivated using the nutrient film technique (NFT) and drip irrigation system (DIS) with variations in growth media. The Madesta melon seeds underwent a two-week germination phase in coco peat media, followed by transplanting into NFT and DIS setups utilizing diverse growth media, including rice husk, rice husk mixed with compost, and compost only. Over four weeks post-cultivation, assessments were conducted on key growth metrics such as leaf count, leaf diameter, plant height, and stem diameter. Plant physiological responses were also analyzed, encompassing chlorophyll and nitrogen levels, along with the mineral composition within leaves and fruits. Results revealed that the DIS cultivation outperformed the NFT in terms of growth outcomes. Among the varied media combinations, the rice husk and compost blend supported growth most effectively. Notably, no significant differences were observed in leaf and fruit nitrogen content between the DIS and NFT systems, and the overall mineral content of the media remained relatively stable before and after the cultivation period. Mineral content analysis revealed calcium as the predominant element in the leaves, while potassium emerged as the most abundant mineral in the fruits. This research sheds light on the potential of hydroponic systems, specifically the DIS method, for enhancing melon cultivation, emphasizing the importance of selecting appropriate growth media to maximize plant growth.

Full text available from: Official URL: http://www.pertanika.upm.edu.my/resources/files/Pe...

Abstract

Hydroponic systems offer a promising solution for urban farming and the utilization of unproductive land. Successful implementation, however, requires careful optimization to select the most effective hydroponic system tailored to specific plants and environmental conditions. This study aims to compare the growth and physiological responses of Madesta melons (Cucumis melo L. cv. Madesta) cultivated using the nutrient film technique (NFT) and drip irrigation system (DIS) with variations in growth media. The Madesta melon seeds underwent a two-week germination phase in coco peat media, followed by transplanting into NFT and DIS setups utilizing diverse growth media, including rice husk, rice husk mixed with compost, and compost only. Over four weeks post-cultivation, assessments were conducted on key growth metrics such as leaf count, leaf diameter, plant height, and stem diameter. Plant physiological responses were also analyzed, encompassing chlorophyll and nitrogen levels, along with the mineral composition within leaves and fruits. Results revealed that the DIS cultivation outperformed the NFT in terms of growth outcomes. Among the varied media combinations, the rice husk and compost blend supported growth most effectively. Notably, no significant differences were observed in leaf and fruit nitrogen content between the DIS and NFT systems, and the overall mineral content of the media remained relatively stable before and after the cultivation period. Mineral content analysis revealed calcium as the predominant element in the leaves, while potassium emerged as the most abundant mineral in the fruits. This research sheds light on the potential of hydroponic systems, specifically the DIS method, for enhancing melon cultivation, emphasizing the importance of selecting appropriate growth media to maximize plant growth.

[error in script]

Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	muskmelons
AGROVOC Term:	Cucumis melo
AGROVOC Term:	hydroponics
AGROVOC Term:	irrigation
AGROVOC Term:	cultivation
AGROVOC Term:	nutrient film technique
AGROVOC Term:	rice husks
AGROVOC Term:	composts
AGROVOC Term:	plant growth
AGROVOC Term:	mineral content
Geographical Term:	Indonesia
Depositing User:	Ms. Azariah Hashim
Date Deposited:	06 Aug 2026 01:05
Last Modified:	06 Aug 2026 01:05
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/3778

Actions (login required)

View Item